From Kanye to the Kinks: A very hipster Christmas mix

​For lack of a better word, sure--this mix is pretty hipsterish. But if you're sick of all that traditional crap that's been jammed down your throat since you were five, check out this mix of seasonal cheer--equal parts tongue-in-cheek and sentimental. Pair these songs with some homemade fudge and you can totally impress all your friends with your crafty (and thrifty, and clever) gift.

1. Christmas In Harlem - Kanye West, CyHi da Prynce & Teyana Taylor



Oh, come on. You didn't think America's baddest badass could resist a just-in-time-for-Christmas hit? And while I'm just oh-so-over Kanye, this song has a nice little hook.  


2. Slept In Through Christmas - Eyes Lips Eyes



This energetic little jam from Eyes Lips Eyes is totally unexpected. If it wasn't for the jingling bells splashed throughout the song, it would make a respectable dance party jam.


3. Father Christmas - The Kinks



The Kinks are blithe as always with this frenzied indie rock gem. Tune into the punchy lyrics ("Father Christmas/Give us some money/We've got no time for silly toys") and you will not be able to hide your smile.


4. I Wish It Was Christmas Today - Julian Casablancas



Siiiiiiigh. Oh, Julian Casablancas. I wish it were Christmas today, too. In fact, I wish a lot of things... I mean, wait, what?


5. Jolly Old St. Nicholas - Roma di Luna

Stream a sample of the track on Amazon.

A timeless classic--by one of the classiest bands the Twin Cities has to offer. Try to resist loving this version of the song. Try. I dare you.


6. All I Want Is Truth (For Christmas) - The Mynabirds



A little perky and a little plaintive, the upbeat pace of this song will have you singing along... and then you'll realize that the lyrics reach a little deeper than feel-good holiday fuzzies. Plus, Laura Burhenn's voice is ridiculously pretty.


7. Christmas At The Trailer Park - Antsy McClain and the Trailer Park Troubadours



A shameless and irreverent countrified, foot-tapping little ditty. Play this one for your pops. (I just feel like dads will appreciate this one.)


8. Christmas Card From A Hooker In Minneapolis - Tom Waits



There is absolutely nothing bad about this song. Tom Waits' whiskey-gravel voice is perfect on this amusing and heartbreaking tune.
 

9. Christmas In Cleveland - The Raveonettes



Danish duo Sun Rose Wagner and Sharin Foo rock out with this mellow jam--complete with some fairly intricate layering and breathy vocals. You barely notice it's a Christmas song, really.


10. Last Christmas - Stardeath and White Dwarfs



Stardeath and White Dwarfs fly relatively low on the radar. This is a fresh version from them--slowed down and electronic.


11. Santa Baby - Perfect Project

Stream the track via Rhapsody here.

None of that ridiculous sexy-little-girl-whisper on this remake. A little trip-hop makes this song sound way sexier and way less annoying than it's ever been.


12. All I Ever Get For Christmas Is Blue - Over The Rhine



Jazzy, bluesy, practically drowning in self-pity... and gorgeously accomplishing it with some powerful piano keys.


13. River - Roma di Luna

Stream a sample of the track on Amazon.

I couldn't resist. Roma di Luna takes this Joni Mitchell classic and spins it all their way. Yes, you'll probably feel like crying, but it's worth it.